Eye, Ear, and Nose Injuries
Lesson 6: Irrigate an Obstructed Ear
6-3
6-3. EAR IRRIGATION
There will be times when you should know when and when not to irrigate a patient's ear. The information listed below will help you in making your decision.
a. Irrigation is done to cleanse the external auditory canal, to soften and remove impacted ear wax (cerumen), to dislodge foreign bodies, to apply heat to the tissues of the ear, and to administer antiseptics or medication.
NOTE: If the foreign body in the ear is an insect that did not respond to shining light
into the ear, then you must irrigate.
b. Avoid irrigation when:
(1) Foreign matter that swells is present in the ear. The foreign matter may be peas, corn, beans, etc. These foreign matters will increase in size as they come in contact with water.
(2) The eardrum is punctured. Irrigation will cause additional middle ear infection and can carry debris or discharge to the middle ear from the external auditory canal.
